Spa Basics
By Anitra Brown, About.com Guide to Spas
Spas began when people started soaking themselves in hot springs thousands of years ago. But the spa world has become more complicated. This is a place to find out about the different kinds of spas, what treatments they offer, and how to choose the right one for you. You can also get answers to all your questions about spa etiquette and how much a spa costs.
What Is A Spa?
A little storefront in a strip mall and world-famous Canyon Ranch both call themselves spas. What is a spa, anyway? Where did they come from? You need to understand the different kinds of spas so you get exactly the spa experience you're looking for.
What Are Spa Treatments?
There's a huge range of spas, from tiny three-room day spas to sprawling 40-room resort spas with fabulous facilities. The one thing they all have in common is basic services like massage, body treatments and facials. Find out more about the kinds of treatments you can get at a spa.
- What Is A Spa Treatment?
- What Is Massage?
- What Is A Facial?
- What Is A Body Treatment?
- What Is A Salt Glow?
- What Is A Body Wrap?
- What Is An Indigenous Treatment?
- What Is Swedish Massage?
- What Is Deep Tissue Massage?
- What Is Couples Massage?
- What Is Hot Stone Massage?
- What Is Aromatherapy?
Choosing A Spa
Now that you understand more about different types of spas and what happens there, find out more about how to pick the right one for you. Find out what to look for, the advantages of one over another, and what to avoid.
Spa Etiquette
This is a big area of concern and confusion for people who are new to spas. Relax! There's nothing to worry about. Get answers to all your questions on what to wear to the spa, how much to take off, and how much to tip. Spa-going behavior varies by country. Europe is much more free-wheeling about nudity in co-ed baths and saunas.
- First Time at The Spa
- Spa Etiquette: Stripping to Tipping
- Nudity and the Spa
- Tips For Enjoying Your Massage
- Choosing A Therapist: Male Vs. Female
- What If My Massage Hurts?
- Just Don't Go There: "Sensual" Massage
- Spa Do's and Don'ts
- Ten Things Not To Do At the Spa
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Spa Code of Conduct
What a Spa Costs
Get an idea how much it will cost to go to a spa and how to get the best deals.
